Women turn their hand to clambering up poles

Women turn their hand to clambering up poles and joining power cables

June 8, 2015: Clambering up poles and joining power cables was all in a day's work for a group of women experiencing the power industry with Northpower in East Tamaki.

The open day last week was the first in a series to be held throughout the country this month as part of 'Girls with Hi-vis' month. Employees in the power, roading and telecommunications industries are inviting sisters, daughters, friends, cousins and wives to work for a day in a bid to attract more women to the industry.

'Girls with Hi-vis' month is an initiative of Connexis, the industry training organisation for New Zealand's infrastructure industry, in partnership with industry, and the idea is to show women what jobs are on offer and if they're interested, encourage them to apply for vacancies.

Connexis CEO Helmut Modlik says, "Women represent more than 50% of the population, but are under represented in roles within in our industry so there's a huge potential employment pool for us to tap into."

Trade and technical jobs in the industry are traditionally more popular with men, with women comprising only a minority of the workforce. For example only 4% of new electricity supply industry trainees in 2014 were women.

Helmut says the turnout at the Northpower day was great and he hopes that their 'hands on' experience of the industry will inspire them to apply for jobs.

Twenty women spent the day at Northpower and loved it. The day began with an introduction and overview of the industry followed by some 'hands on' activities to offer the women a real feel for the job.

The highlight of Girls with Hi-vis month is a 'Celebration of Women in Infrastructure' lunch at Te Papa in Wellington on Monday 22 June where NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence is the key speaker. Ten women who try out the industry for a day during Girls with Hi-vis month will be invited to the event.

As well as Northpower in East Tamaki, Electrix - Henderson, PowerNet - Invercargill, Meridian Energy - Wellington and Twizel and McConnell Dowell - Christchurch and Auckland will all be welcoming women to experience their industry this month.

ENDS

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